Comparison of the immediate effects of prefabricated soft medical insoles and custom-molded rigid medical insoles on plantar pressure distribution in athletes with flexible flatfoot: a prospective study. Issue 6 (November 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Razavi Khorasani, Seyede Gelare; Bagherzadeh Cham, Masumeh; Sharifnezhad, Ali; Saeedi, Hassan; Farahmand, Behshid
• Is Part Of: Current orthopaedic practice. Volume 32:Issue 6(2021)
• Publication Date: 2021-11
• Subjects: flexible flatfoot -- custom-molded rigid medical insole -- prefabricated soft medical insole -- plantar pressure -- athletic; Orthopedics -- Periodicals; 616.7005
• DOI: 10.1097/BCO.0000000000001053
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1940-7041

Abstract

Abstract : Background: The aims of this quasi-experimental study were to compare the effect of prefabricated soft medical insoles and custom-molded rigid medical insoles on plantar pressure distribution in athletes with flexible flatfoot. Methods: Eighteen amateur athletes with flexible flatfoot participated in this study. All participants received custom-molded rigid medical insoles and prefabricated soft medical insoles. Mean peak pressure (kPa), maximum force (N), and contact area (cm 2 ) were calculated for the heel, medial and lateral midfoot, first metatarsal head, second and third metatarsal heads, fourth and fifth metatarsal heads, hallux, and other toe area using the Pedar-X system (Novel GmbH, Munich, Germany) immediately. Results: The use of both prefabricated and custom-molded insoles significantly reduced the mean pressure and force in the heel, second and third metatarsophalangeal joints (MTP2, 3 ), the fourth and fifth metatarsophalangeal joints (MTP4, 5 ), and increased the pressure in the medial midfoot compared to the shoe ( P <0.001). No significant difference was observed between the two insoles ( P >0.05). The contact area increased significantly in the medial midfoot ( P <0.001) and MTP2, 3 ( P =0.02) and decreased in the hallux (P <0.001) and other toes ( P =0.01) using both insoles compared to only shoes. Conclusions: The results showed that the use of a medical insole in athletes with flexible flatfoot could alter athletics' plantar pressures immediately. Since both insoles had a similar effect on the distribution of plantar pressures, it seems that the prefabricated soft medical insole is a more suitable option for daily use in athletes to prevent injury because of its availability and cost-effectiveness. Level of Evidence: Level II.